Our Team

Prior to founding QReg Advisory, Clara was the Head of Fintech Unit and Director of Licensing of the SFC. She is the main initiator, core architect and author of Hong Kong’s fintech and virtual asset regulatory framework including the relevant SFC virtual asset regulations, position papers, circulars, licensing conditions, as well as terms and conditions for virtual asset businesses. She has also substantially contributed to the setting of the SFC licensing process and regulatory standards of all relevant virtual asset licences for the SFC.

Clara was one of the key reviewers and decision-makers in the SFC licensing applications including fintech/ virtual asset applications, leading her team to approve the first virtual asset trading platform, virtual asset fund manager and automated wealth management trading platform licences in Hong Kong. She also provided training to the SFC licensing staff and guidance to the relevant stakeholders (e.g. applicants and/or their advisors) on the fintech/virtual asset application and approval process. She represented the SFC on fintech matters in conferences with the Hong Kong Government, local and international financial regulators, and industry associations.

​

During her 14 years’ service with the SFC, Clara was involved in formulating various important SFC regulatory policies and writing some crucial chapters of the SFC codes and publications, for example Selling Practices, Professional Investors, Client Agreement and Suitability. In addition to supervising the SFC licensing and approval process, Clara also worked at the SFC Supervision Department where she built an inspection programme and led teams to conduct on-site inspections. 

Clara was admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong in 1998. Prior to joining the SFC, Clara had worked at international law firms for over 10 years and advised clients on regulatory and commercial litigation. She also defended clients in SFC/HKMA/ICAC investigations and disciplinary cases.

She holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of London, a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws from the University of Hong Kong.

 

As an iconic figure in the virtual asset and financial industry, Clara is frequently invited to speak at major local and international conferences and events.